china is demanding more oil every day to power its growing economy just as opec cut some of its output. international sanctions are reducing the amount of uranium oil on the world market while here at home, refineries are shutting down for maintenance as they prepare to switch to a summer blend. then market speculation and a weaker dollar play a role. >> we have to work. so we keep coming to work every day. but you have to put gas in your car to come to work. >> reporter: 43 cents in a month. >> that was nbc's tom costello. >>> after the long holiday weekend you the president and congressional staffers will be back at work this morning but with only ten days to prevent $85 billion in automatic spending cuts. the white house says president obama will hold a news conference to address the issue this morning. nbc's danielle lee has the details. danielle, good morning. >> reporter: mara, good morning. the president will urge congress to agree on a deal that balances those pending cuts with new revenue to avoid hurting the economy and the middle class. mane while, congress is away on recess